lmello211

is there any specific precautions for cleaning/washing the convertible top ? I did a search and couldn't find anything as well as checked the car care section. Somebody had mentioned not to wash it with any type of car soap as it would dry it out.

AORoads

1. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/car-care-discussion-10/

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3. clean, convertible, top



from here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/sear...rchid=33614767

flange

if you use soap, use lots of water to dlush it out, and let it dry completely before lowering the next time.

lmello211

didn't find a match but thanks for the info on where to search.

mlsins

I'm on my second convertible and I've never used soap on either one. Just a good stiff spray off with the hose when I wash the car and then dry with a dark towel (no lint). Car is 6 years old and still look new.

Kreuzen

Not so sure about precautions ...but for cleaning/treatment I wouldn't use anything other than Rag Topp convertible top cleaner and their fabric conditioner. I've owned a number of convertibles...IMO, best product for cleaning/maintaining your top that's currently on the market.

Knob Jockey

RaggTopp is a 2-part cleaner and protectant that is highly regarded by Forum Members with Verts. Fortunately with your black top, you'll have an easier time keeping it looking good compared to the lighter colored tops.

Once you have cleaned the top, make sure it's 100% dry and then apply the protective coating.

Partially lower the top and lay plastic sheeting across the body and windshield/windows under the top, and then close the top but don't latch it.

This will save you considerable time in clean up.

If you use your car daily you will want to perform this procedure twice a year or so.

Once you've put in the effort with this product, water will bead up and run right off. You can clean the top using just a good stiff brush and no water/soap/etc.

Never put the top down if it's wet.

If you Search for RaggTopp you should find lots of posts on this topic.

RODXL1200

Ketchum

You can use RaggTopp but I found it to be a waste of money. It cleaned nothing for me on a cashmere top and the protectant beaded water for a couple weeks if that. Do whats in the owners manual. I wash my car with mild car wash soap including the top and rinse thoroughly.

obxchartercaptain

I have a Cashmere top on my Vert. I had those ugly creases with the black in them. I found a way to completely remove them and make the top look like new.

I used the Magic Eraser. Do NOT wet the top first. Use the pad on a dry top and only on the creases. After the black marks are gone from the creases wash the whole top....let it dry completely and with a stiff bristle brush apply canvas waterproofing by Star Brite. You can get it at your local West Marine store. When it dries your top will be like NEW.

netacoma2003

I'm on my 4th convertible now. I've always used a medium stiffness horsetail brush and since I wash from the top down, a fresh bucket of the same soap I eventually use to wash the car. The horsetail brush is used with medium pressure and I always use a "wax on, wax off" swirling motion....never intense scrubbing or one directional pattern.

Three of my tops have been black and one was a navy blue.

fyreline

I have never used anything but mild soap and water and a soft brush on my 2007's Cashmere top, and it still looks good. The tips above relating to (A) washing the top first, and (B) letting it dry completely before lowering definitely apply.

Ketchum

Watch what you out on it. The top is not canvas. Its a woven acrylic.

RainMan12

I spoke to the owner of a proffesional Top Shop that has been in business for 35 years, and his advice to me was not to use ANY commercial top cleaning products, because every one of them made will accelerate wear and deterioration of your top, because they all contain some amount of alcohol, which dries out the top.

His advice was just like fyrelin does above. Mild soap and water only, and never anything else.

I've cleaned my top several times using mild car wash soap and then a rinse, and it does an excellent job. I see no need to ever use anything stronger.

Ketchum

I was told the same by the manufacture of the fabric used. We were discussing 'crease' marks.

vettenut

See: http://vettenut.com/Detailing.html

beepster

My 2 verts both had tan tops...this highly touted product did nothing for me.....

Norm66

I am glad the magic eraser worked for you. I never heard any feedback, so I wasn't sure. I passed it on because it worked great on my top.

johnodrake

I vacuum mine then use Raggtop. I only wash the top about once a year. Of course I spot clean now and again if a Bird finds its mark